Under certain conditions, the idea of a dictator can sound appealing, like when a democracy isn’t functioning as it should due to corruption or political polarization. People may believe the solution is a "benevolent dictator"— a leader...

The basic idea of human rights is that each one of us, no matter who we are or where we are born, is entitled to the same basic rights and freedoms. That may sound straightforward enough, but it gets incredibly complicated as soon as...

The basic idea of human rights is that each one of us, no matter who we are or where we are born, is entitled to the same basic rights and freedoms. That may sound straightforward enough, but it gets incredibly complicated as soon as...

In 1787, the Framers met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation but instead crafted a new constitution, drawing on principles from ancient civilizations.

The U.S. Constitution established the Judicial Branch of government, outlining its foundational structure, and over time, its role and responsibilities have evolved through legal precedents and Acts of Congress.

On September 17, Americans celebrate Constitution Day. A federal holiday, Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution, a guiding document that continues to evolve and uphold the rights and freedoms of all U.S....

Explore the significance of the Bill of Rights and the First Amendment in American history. Understand why these amendments were necessary for protecting individual freedoms and limiting government power. Learn about the rights...

Life for Women after the Revolutionary War identifies significant groups that played a role in the American Revolution by examining how life changed for women after the Revolutionary War.

The Lavender Scare was a government clampdown on members of the LGBTQ+ community in the 1940s, 50s and 60s which saw gay and lesbians barred from the federal government for decades.

Plessy v. Ferguson was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that established the legal doctrine of “separate but equal”. It was a ruling that enabled many states to enact racial segregation laws for decades to come.

A run through of the major arguments in the Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges which legalizes gay marriage in all 50 states.

American democracy has a lineage of written records that we can trace to show the development of our nation, and how each document builds on those before it to make our foundation of freedom stronger. This video focusses on documents...

Beijing’s new national security law grants the government sweeping powers that critics fear will be used to quash Hong Kong’s freedoms and autonomy.

Daniel Martinez HoSang is Professor of Ethnicity Race and Migration and American Studies and holds a secondary appointment in the Department of Political Science and serves on the Education Studies Advisory Committee.

His...

Classical violinist Joseph Henry Douglass helped empower the Black community through music and education at a time when Southern lawmakers were pushing back against the progress of Reconstruction.

Here's the story of the famous Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson.

MOT 1948: NATIONAL ADVERTISERS CONVENTION: SPEECH: President of Columbia University General Dwight D. Eisenhower saying we must show that our Rights are bundle, lose one & lose all. WS Audience of men in suits w/ name tags, looking (R).

The lives and rights of women in Greece, from a modern perspective, seem severely limited; yet, they played important roles in society.

Gun control in the United States has been a loaded term for decades. So who is favour of the Second Amendment – and who is fighting back against it?

In this video, we look at gender-based violence (and violence against women, including domestic violence and rape) and take a look at what we as individuals and as a society can do to address the problem. Things like promoting gender...

We believe democracy leads to a fairer world. Yet almost all governments claim to be democratic including China, Russia and Syria. And 50 years after the abolition of hanging, UK polls still show a majority in favour. Is democracy...

Military Appreciation Month // National Military Appreciation Month started as a simple idea; to gather America around its military family to honor, remember, recognize and appreciate those who serve and have served all while knowing its...

Just the Facts: The Emergence of America Uses fascinating historical footage to explore six decades thats shaped Modern America. The series examines the Gilded Age in the late 19th century, the Progressive Era of the early 20th century,...

Every year I have students who go: "(groan)(whine) ugh, why do have to even learn social studies?" Each time, I would promptly give each of them an answer to this common question. After a few years of teaching, I sometimes get tired of...